New Footage Shows Why Thomas Partey Will Miss Champions League Semi Final

• New footage has shown reason behind Thomas Partey’s suspension for Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final
• The midfielder received a yellow card late in the win over Real Madrid at the Bernabeu, his third booking of the tournament
• The Ghana international midfielder will miss the first leg against PSG due to a one-match ban

Fresh footage has surfaced showing exactly why Thomas Partey will miss Arsenal’s UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg clash with Paris Saint-Germain.

The Ghanaian midfielder picked up a yellow card during the second leg of Arsenal’s quarter-final win over Real Madrid, his third in the competition this season.

The incident wasn’t clearly shown on TV at the time, but social media footage now reveals the full story.

The booking that cost Partey a place against PSG

Partey received the caution in the 85th minute at the Bernabeu, and while fans were left puzzled due to the lack of replay, new video footage posted by Arsenal fan and influencer Rory Cook on X has clarified what happened.

The experienced Black Stars midfielder was booked for shoving Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos during a brief stoppage in play after Antonio Rudiger was shown a yellow card for a foul on Mikel Merino.

As Partey moved to retrieve the ball at Ceballos’ feet to take a quick free-kick, the Spaniard tried to delay the restart by shifting the ball.

Frustrated by the move, Partey reacted by pushing Ceballos to the ground. This prompted referee Francois Letexier to brandish the yellow card.

Suspension adds to Arsenal’s midfield dilemma

The booking means Partey will now serve a one-match suspension, ruling him out of the crucial semi-final opener at the Emirates Stadium on April 29.

It’s a big blow for Mikel Arteta, as Partey played all 180 minutes of the quarter-final tie and has been in top form lately.

Declan Rice, who was reportedly furious with Partey’s needless booking, may now be forced into a deeper midfield role to compensate.

Arsenal’s preferred backup, Jorginho, is sidelined with a rib injury, leaving Arteta with limited options.

Arteta faces tactical rejig without Partey

With Partey unavailable, and Jorginho not fit, Arteta may need to get creative. Merino, who has been used as a makeshift striker in recent matches, could be dropped into midfield, with Leandro Trossard potentially leading the line.

The reshuffle poses a major challenge for the Gunners, who are looking to maintain momentum in Europe’s biggest competition.

Do PSG have the upperhand against Arsenal?

Meanwhile, Ex-Real Madrid superstar Luis Figo has named Paris Saint-Germain as his top contenders to win this season’s Champions League.

A win against Arsenal would secure PSG just their second-ever appearance in a Champions League final.

Their first came in 2020 under then-manager Thomas Tuchel, but they fell short as Bayern Munich claimed victory in Lisbon, with Kingsley Coman netting the decisive goal.

"In my opinion, PSG are the frontrunners," he said via Metro Sports.. They're showing strong consistency in their results and are in excellent physical shape right now."

Gyan urges Arsenal to renew Partey's deal

YEN.com.gh previously reported that Asamoah Gyan has called on Arsenal to extend Thomas Partey’s stay at the club.

The ex-Black Stars striker cautioned that delaying a contract renewal could come back to haunt the North London side.

Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh